Fire Department

Live Oak Fire Department is focused on "READINESS". When residents, business occupants or visitors call for the fire department, it usually means somebody's day is not going as planned. We are working hard to anticipate the types of things that might overwhelm normalcy and put in place Equipment, Training and Manpower to respond and rectify the situation as quickly as possible.

A message from Fire Chief Linc Surber:

We are working to establish and strengthen relationships with partner agencies that bring specialized equipment, training and resources into our response solution options. We embrace the "Pit Crew" mentality, where multiple technical operations are being carried out simultaneously to lessen property damage and maintain the highest possible quality of life for those involved in these events.

Today's emphasis on residential smoke detectors, business and commercial residential inspections and modern building code enforcement help keep structure fires and loss of life to a minimum.

We have a free smoke detector program for residents of Live Oak so every home should have smoke detectors in and outside each sleeping area and on each level of the home. If you would like to have us check your smoke detector's operation and age (replace at 10 years of age) or have a need for additional smoke detectors to protect each sleeping area, please call me at 210-653-9140, extension 2379.

Community Assistance

Educational Classes For Children Attending Live Oak Elementary Schools

Annual Fire Inspections For Commercial Structures

The following is a brief description of each of the Department sponsored programs:

Fire Extinguisher Checks:

The Fire Department is able to assist our community members in determining whether fire extinguishers are useable. Please call to set up an appointment at 210/653-9140 ext. 2379

Food Assistance Program:

This program is designed to help members of the community who are in need of holiday meals. Donations will be accepted at the Live Oak Fire Station Starting November 1, 2018. All donations are greatly appreciated.

Project Cool

Project Cool helps alleviate health risks to seniors, 60 years and older, by providing them with a new box fan.

Project Cool is a collaborative initiative designed to alleviate health risks to seniors, 60 years and older, by providing them with a new box fan. Project Cool has provided over 62.000 fans to seniors in San Antonio and Bexar County. The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District also provides fan recipients with information on how to avoid heat related illnesses and how best to use the fans safely. Starting June 1st, any person 60years or older is eligible to receive a fan. To find out where you can obtain a fan, please contact either the United Way or GRASP directly.

If you would like to donate to this program, please drop off an 18-inch box fan at any of the San Antonio Metro Area Fire Stations (excluding the airport location) between June 1 and September 15. Alternatively, you may contact GRASP for donation locations. Project Cool is sponsored by United WAy of San Antonio, Bexar County and GRASP (Greater Randolph Area Services Program). See contact information below:

City of San Antonio Metro Fire Departments: call 210/207-8198 or their website

Residential Knox Box:

For anyone who is concerned about not being able to escape your home in an emergency or not being able to get to the door during an emergency to let paramedics or firefighters in is encouraged to consider a Knox Box for their home. This solid steel box is mounted on the outside of your home within close proximity to the main entry door and secures your individual key to allow access into your home. Only the fire department has a key to open this box and this will allow them to gain entry into your home during an emergency without causing any damage to your home.

Please visit the Live Oak Fire Station at the Development Services window to pick up an application or call 210-653-9140 ext. 2241 or 2379 if you have questions. We also have samples of residential and commercial Know Boxes at this location for demonstration.

Smoke Detector Check - Fire Safety Survey:

The Fire Department is available to assist, upon request, the residents of Live Oak with a ‘Smoke Detector Check’. If the smoke detector is not functioning properly, new batteries will be installed. Thanks to our partners at Red Cross, the Fire Department is able to replace a non-working smoke detector, as well as provide new detectors for those residences that do not have one. Along with the ‘Smoke Detector Check’, the Fire Department will also conduct a complimentary ‘Fire Safety Survey’, which allows us to properly inform you about Fire Safety in your home. To make an appointment, please contact the Live Oak Fire Department by calling 210-653-9140, ext. 2379 or emailnbalaniere@liveoaktx.net.

Community Events

Fire Prevention Week

Fire prevention week is designated as the Sunday - Saturday in which October 9th will fall. Fire Prevention Day is always recognized on October 9th. Fire Prevention is very special to Live Oak Fire Department. It is a time where the firefighters get to reach out and speak with the children in schools on the importance of fire prevention.

Fire Department Tours

Live Oak City Fire Department enjoys sharing our facility and a little bit of history with our community. We will conduct tours, during our business hours 8:00 to 5:00, of our fire station. We believe it is important to inform our citizens about Fire Safety and to be pro-active with our community. Whether you have little ones or adults we would be happy to meet you and show you around your local fire station. If you haven’t experienced the hospitality of our Fire Chiefs and Firefighters please feel free to call 210-653-9140 ext. 2379 for an appointment today.

Food Basket Campaign

Every year The Live Oak Fire Department sponsors a Holiday Food Basket for citizens of Live Oak that might need a helping hand for the holidays. All recipients will remain anonymous. If you know a family in need of this service please contact Assistant Chief Gerry Galindo at ggalindo@liveoaktx.net or 210-653-9140 ext. 2379. A letter will be sent out to confirm that the family would indeed like to receive the food basket. We would like to thank all those who so generously donated each year. Donations are accepted starting November 1st

File of Life

The Live Oak Fire Department is now handing out File of Life magnets for your home. The File of Life is a bright red magnet, easily spotted by first responders, that contains a lot of useful and valuable information. Information includes Emergency Contacts, Medical History, Medications, Allergies, Insurance Information, Preferred Hospital, and Primary Care Doctor Information. A lot of information is needed to effectively treat a patient, and when the situation is stressful, some of this information can be relayed incorrectly. Having the File of Life allows you to produce this vital information correctly and without delay. Feel free to stop by the Fire Department to pick one up.

Minimize the Potential for Starting a Wildfire

Utilizing common sense is always the best defense to ensure that you are not the cause of a wildfire. Pay attention to the following list of items which you might not typically think of while going through your daily activities:

Be aware that any spark can cause a wildfire.

Ensure there are no dragging chains when using a hitch. Dragging hitch chains often spark and can lead to a grass fire which quickly becomes uncontrollable.

Use caution when welding or grinding. Have a spotter watch for sparks.

Check bearings frequently on landscape/agricultural equipment and stop use if the equipement becomes too warm.

Remove loose grass/hay from around rollers - the friction can build up heat and start a fire.

Follow all governmental laws regarding fireworks.

Only use fireworks outdoors and away from dry grass and buildings.

Read labels and use only as directed and with adult supervision

Allow fireworks to cool completely before handling and discard used fireworks intoa bucket of water.

Use caution when your activity occurs within an area with dry vegetation. For example, you park your vehicle within a farm field when attending a festival.

Keep a fire extinguisher or water sprayer nearby in case a fire breaks out.

Wet down your work area.

Reconsider your activities when it is a windy day.

Wildfire Education

The following PDF documents are available for download under “Forms and Reports”, at right:

Be Firewise Around Your Home: This document provides helpful guidelines for landscaping your property and utilizing construction materials which help minimize the risk of fire spreading to your home.

Firewise Guide to Landscape and Construction: The primary goal for Firewise landscaping is fuel reduction - limiting the level of flammable vegetation and construction materials surrounding the home and increasing the moisture content of remaining vegetation.

Don't Drive into Smoke on the Road: Provides helpful information to ensure you don'tmistakenly drive into a wildfire.

Ready, Set, Go! Your Personal Wildfire Action Plan: One document which incorporates helpful hints on how to landscape your property and construct your home to minimize the spread of a nearby fire to your property. This document also provides information on what to do if your home is threatened by fireand how to develop an evacuation plan.

Wildfire Educational Websites

The following websites provide educational information regarding wildfires. Within these websites, you will be able to find wildfire forecast maps (updated daily), methods regarding how to help protect your home and family as well asevacuation procedures.

To save lives and property from wildfire, NFPA's Firewise Communities program teaches people how to adapt to living with wildfire and encourages neighbors to work together and take action now to prevent losses.

Texas Forest Service provides weather, hydrologic and climate forecasts and warnings. Visit this website for the latestinformation regardingfire danger and advisories.

Fire Department Equipment

Engine 160

Engine 160 operates as the first out engine to all fire related incidents in the City of Live Oak. Engine 160 is a 2018 Ferrara Rescue Pumper, placed on a custom chassis. Engine 160 has a 750 gallon capacity water tank, and a pump capable of flowing 1,500 gallons per minute. Engine 160 carries over 1,000 feet of supply line, 700 feet of pre-connected attack line, and 150 feet of attack line for high rise buildings. Engine 160 also has a Class A foam system, including a 30 gallon foam tank. Engine 160 is outfitted with top-notch equipment for vehicle extrication, hazmat situations, and rope rescue.

Engine 160C

Engine 160C is a 2002 Pierce Sabre. Engine 160C has a 500 gallon capacity water tank, and a pump capable of flowing 1,250 gallons per minute. 160C is equipped with a cardiac monitor and medical equipment, as it is the first unit to respond to medical calls in the city. 160C will also be the second in unit to respond to fire related incidents in the city. 160C is outfitted with equipment needed for extrication, as well as all necessary fire related tools and equipment.

Ladder 160

2003 Pierce Dash quint constructed on a custom chassis. Features of Ladder 3 include a 2000 gallon per minute pump and 100 foot Sky Arm ladder with a platform and is capable of articulating (rotating) 20 feet. It is designed to lay a single five (5) inch supply line from the fire hydrant to the scene of the fire while carrying a crew of five (5) firefighters. Ladder 3 is designed to perform emergency rescue from multi-floor occupancies and can be used to control fires which require large flow appliances.

Booster 160

Booster 160 is a 2016 Chevrolet 2500 HD with a skid unit mounted in the bed. The skid unit is comprised of a 200 gallon capacity water tank and a Honda water pump. Booster 160 is used to fight grass fires in the city. Booster 160 can also be utilized to access places that a normal pumper might not be able access, where fire suppression is needed.

Command 160

Command 160 is a 2012 Ford F-350 outfitted with a Frazer Recue Body. Command 160 is utilized by the shift officer as a Command unit. Equipment needed to set up a command post at an incident, such as an accountability board and laptop with firefighter tracking technology, is located on this unit. Command 160 also carries other tools and equipment to supplement fire ground operations.

Engine 160B

Engine 160B is a 1998 Pierce Sabre. This unit operates as a reserve engine, responding to other cities as a mutual aid unit. Engine 160B has a 500 gallon capacity water tank, and a pump capable of flowing 1,500 gallons per minute. Engine 160B is equipped with all the essential tools and equipment needed for firefighting operations.

About Live Oak

Incorporated in 1960, City founders considered the Interstate 35 and Loop 1604 interchange a perfect location amid gently-rolling hills.

Live Oak has evolved from a rich farming and ranching tradition to developments of peaceful residential neighborhoods, multiple shopping centers, a major hospital and medical complexes, college campuses, and financial resources.